Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
ICE
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
$153.40
-1.21%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $87.66B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$37.54
+0.13%
UTILITIES · Cap: $10.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Intercontinental Exchange Inc generates 322% more annual revenue ($10.44B vs $2.47B). ICE leads profitability with a 37.7% profit margin vs 24.9%. ICE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.15. ICE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
ICE
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ICE.
Margin of Safety
+47.4%
Fair Value
$71.13
Current Price
$37.54
$33.59 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.3%
Earnings expanding 79.7% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Revenue surging 20.4% year-over-year
Generating 1.1B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICE
The strongest argument for ICE centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 37.7% and operating margin at 57.3%. Revenue growth of 20.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : ICE
The primary concerns for ICE are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.
ICE is growing revenue faster at 20.4% — sustainability is the question.
ICE generates stronger free cash flow (1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ICE scores higher overall (71/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 37.7% margins and 20.4% revenue growth. WTRG offers better value entry with a 47.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Intercontinental Exchange Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA
The Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is an American Fortune 500 company formed in 2000 that operates global exchanges, clearing houses and provides mortgage technology, data and listing services. The company owns exchanges for financial and commodity markets, and operates regulated exchanges and marketplaces.
Visit Website →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES Stocks
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